President Docherty to conclude term in early 2026

Dear campus,

As Brandon University readies to celebrate our 125^th year, it is a time to reflect on the passage of time, changes, and future possibilities. Many of those will be institutional discussions; some will be personal.

I have informed the Board and senior administration that I intend to conclude my second term as President in early 2026, ensuring an extended runway to properly choose and install a successor. Now, I am sharing that news with the full university community.

In some ways I feel like I have just arrived. However, by the time I step down as President it will be closing in on seven years. Coupled with my time at MRU, fifteen years serving as a President is something I have taken great joy in doing. 

In my time here, there is a lot for us to be proud of. Together, we faced the sudden challenge of the Covid pandemic and stood together as a community (even when six feet apart). We navigated difficult budget pressures. We crafted a university strategic plan, Mamaawii-atooshke aakihkiwiin, that crystalized our value as Canada’s finest regional university and empowered our entire campus to be agile, courageous, and inclusive. 

The coming 18 months or so are ones of great promise. We will be celebrating BU125, especially at Homecoming this fall, and it is a time for renewal. We will be transforming the heart of campus from a parking lot to a space for gathering and for teaching, learning, and creativity. We will be launching a campaign to renovate and reimagine the Brodie Science Building, with a new research annex. Perhaps most transformational for our campus and for the communities we serve will be our partnership with the University of Manitoba to provide medical training for doctors in Westman.

Doubtless the search for a new President will be a chance for our campus to discuss opportunities and priorities as BU will look to build on these successes. You will be called on to share your own views. In all the many consultations I’ve been a part of or led here, I have always been impressed with the thoughtfulness and creativity that everyone at BU brings in dedicating themselves to the betterment of this institution. It is part of what makes us great.

For the past years, whenever I’m asked, I have proudly said that I have the best job in the world: President of Brandon University. That isn’t changing. But I can see the moment coming where it will be time for me to pass the Best Job Baton on to a new person. 

Faculty, staff, and students are the heart of Brandon University and thank you for making my time here so worthwhile. I look forward to seeing you all on campus over the coming months. 

Kris and I will continue to enjoy our time in Brandon as we contemplate our next steps. One thing is clear: I am not looking to move to another university. One of the real personal joys for me is reflecting that my own undergraduate experience was at a smaller primarily undergraduate university with small classes where we got to know our professors. It is personally gratifying to book-end my career in the academy in such an positive environment.